Meghan Markle has teased her new Netflix series called With Love, Meghan – showing off her cooking skills with an array of mouth-watering dishes.
Expressing excitement, the Duchess of Sussex, aged 43, revealed her anticipation to unveil her long-awaited lifestyle series to her followers on Instagram before its release on January 15.
The initial trailer for the series captures the Duchess cooking in a kitchen in Montecito, harvesting produce from her garden, and engaging in conversations with well-known acquaintances like Mindy Kaling, accompanied by the song “Do You Believe in Magic” by The Lovin’ Spoonful.
Upon sharing the video on her newly established Instagram profile, Meghan conveyed her enthusiasm: ‘I have been eagerly looking forward to sharing this with all of you! I hope that you enjoy the show as much as I relished creating it.’
‘Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!’ She signed off: ‘As ever, Meghan.’
Among the Duchess’ spectacular plates is a Caprese-style canape with tomatoes, mozzarella, olives and basil tastefully placed on top of a baguette.
Meghan also delicately decorates a layered Victoria sponge cake with fresh raspberries and cream – a dessert which famously has a royal link.
The classic strawberry jam-filled treat is a staple when it comes to celebratory British food and is loved by royals, including the Princess of Wales.
Meghan takes canapes! The Duchess prepares Caprese-style party food as she layers French bread with tomatoes, mozzarella and olives, plus a little basil
Queen Camilla, 74, has previously shared her own recipe for Victoria sponge cake, revealing she sometimes swaps out the traditional jam and cream filling for Nutella.
The cake is named after her husband’s great-great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria as its origins can be traced back to her reign.
Food historian Alysa Levene claimed in her 2016 book ‘Cake: A Slice of History’ that Queen Victoria was particularly fond of this simple cake and enjoyed a slice with her afternoon cup of tea.
The version Queen Victoria ate is thought to have just been filled with jam, but modern versions usually include a layer of cream or buttercream.
Following in the footsteps of Harry’s family, the Duchess clearly has a sweet tooth as she is also seen adding a garnish to a dessert that bears a resemblance to the Eton Mess – a British favourite containing strawberries, cream, mint and a berry coulis.
Elsewhere, she prepares more savoury dishes including white fish paired with roast tomatoes, lemons and herbs such as rosemary and basil, drizzled with olive oil.
Among Meghan’s dishes is a multi-layered Victoria sponge cake, garnished with fresh raspberries and cream
Meghan prepares a dessert that bears a resemblance to Eton Mess, containing strawberries, cream, mint and a berry coulis
The Duchess also prepares a dish of white fish paired with roasted tomatoes, lemons and herbs including rosemary and basil, drizzled with olive oil
Meghan prepares a light, summery dish that appears to incorporate peaches, thinly sliced radishes and cucumber with a dressing
The Duchess of Sussex puts the finishing touches to a salad board, featuring an array of items
The trailer also includes a shot of Meghan preparing a light summery dish that appears to incorporate peaches, thinly sliced radishes and cucumber.
Elsewhere, the Duchess puts the finishing touches to a salad board, featuring an array of items, and bakes a focaccia.
Describing the series in an official synopsis, Netflix says: ‘In With Love, Meghan, we join Meghan in the kitchen, garden — and even at the beehive — as she prepares to host friends both old and new.
‘Sharing some of her favorite tips and tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting, and more, Meghan reveals how even the most minute details can help add beauty to our lives and, most importantly, help bring people together.
‘Whether it’s preparing take-home gifts for guests or adding a sprinkle of edible flowers to breakfast, it’s truly the thought that counts.’
Speaking in the trailer, Meghan says: ‘I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.
‘I’m going to share some little tips and tricks and how you incorporate these practices every day.
‘This is about connecting with friends… We’re not in the pursuit of perfection we’re in the pursuit of joy.’
Meghan is shown baking a focaccia alongside a friend in the trailer for the new series
Elsewhere, Meghan decorates some doughnuts in the trailer for the new series
One of the Duchess’s first guests is long time friend (and recipient of American Riviera Orchard jam) Mindy Kaling
The Duchess is known to have many star-studded friends; one of whom is The Office writer Mindy Kaling.
Appearing in a snippet in the trailer, Kaling, who is being served up a piece of Victoria sponge cake, says: ‘What! This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life.’
Elsewhere, Meghan speaks about ‘making new friends’ and learning new skills – such as beekeeping.
In each episode, Meghan invites friends old and new to roll up their sleeves and join her in the kitchen, or garden, as they share candid conversations and top tips.
As well as Mindy – who previously appeared on the Duchess’s podcast Archetypes – Prince Harry and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters also make appearances.
Meghan also welcomes some of her closest friends, from Suits co-star Abigail Spencer to her ‘sister’ and ‘fellow polo wife’, Delfina Blaquier, wife to the Duke of Sussex’s pal Nacho Figueras.
Professional polo player Nacho was the first of the Figueras family to feature in a Netflix series from the Sussexes, after starring in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, as well as the Duke’s Polo show.
Meghan’s make-up artist Daniel Martin, who is often described as the mother-of-two’s best friend, also featured in the trailer for the Duchess’ new programme.
The Duchess, 43, bills the series as creating ‘wonder in every moment’ as she shares her tips and tricks on living well
Daniel is believed to have known Meghan for over a decade, having met her while the former actress worked on Suits.
The pair then kept in touch and while working on her former blog The Tig, Meghan asked Daniel to give her a helping hand.
He has remained in contact with the Duchess throughout her life in the royal family and was by Meghan’s side on her wedding day as he perfected her make-up.
The series also features celebrated literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Harry and Meghan’s multi-millionaire neighbour Vicky Tsai, who sold her beauty brand Tatcha to Unilever in 2019 for a reported $500million.
They’re joined on the show by Tracy Robbins. Mrs Robbins and her husband Paramount boss Brian Robbins are friends with the Sussexes and invited them to the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica in January.
Meghan’s best friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, co-founder of Alliance of Moms, is also included on the guestlist for the series.
Kelly and Meghan first met through the Duchess’ ex-husband, Trevor Engelson, who is friends with the former model’s entertainment lawyer husband.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have formed a vital part of Kelly and her husband Julian’s support network following Kelly’s son George’s death aged just nine in July 2022 after being found unresponsive in their family home.
Kelly, who co-founded Alliance of Moms, a non-profit that supports pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system, praised Harry and Meghan for being a ‘guiding light’ following the tragic death of her son.
Meghan’s announcement comes a day after the Duchess dramatically returned to Instagram with a video of her laughing on the beach near Montecito.
